Diepholz Goose — a selective line of the gray goose (Anser anser). Medium-sized, compact, long-legged breed. Live weight of ganders 4500–5800 g (ideal 5000–5500 g), geese 3500–4500 g (ideal 3800–4200 g). Body length 850–1050 mm. Gives the impression of a tall, slender, noble and active bird. Head small, dry, elongated with a pronounced forehead. Beak of medium length (48–58 mm), straight, bright orange to coral red. Eyes large with irises of intense bluish-gray or light gray color. Neck long (280–340 mm), thin, high-set, slightly curved. Body compact, raised at an angle of 35–40° to the horizontal. Back straight, narrow. Abdomen and sides tucked up, without folds. Wings long, tightly pressed. Legs high with shanks 95–115 mm, bright orange. Tail of medium length, slightly raised. Plumage dense, smooth, glossy with thick soft underdown. The only acceptable color is gray with a characteristic four-line white pattern (two stripes on the sides of the neck, two on the sides of the chest/shoulders), light gray head, white belly, dark gray flight and tail feathers with white edges, scaly pattern. Differs from the wild gray goose by smaller size, longer thin neck, light gray iris and stable four-line pattern. The standard requires proportions: neck length ≈ 1/3 of total length, height at withers to body length 1:1.6–1.7. Disqualifying faults: absence of four white stripes, dark brown iris, short thick neck, heavy body, skin folds, black beak/legs.